Gay Marriage and its Issues
Gay marriage has been an issue for a very long time and since some states are legalizing it, many worry that it would soon be added as an amendment. The topic of gay marriage brings up religious, legal, and many other issues. In "What's wrong with Gay Marriage?" by Katha Pollitt, the author supports gay marriage and wants it legalized. She states that there is no problem with gay marriage and it's all a matter of separating the church and state. But in “Gay ‘Marriage’: Societal Suicide,” by Charles Colson, the author opposes the idea of gay marriage and states that it will destroy society. Marriage is intended to unite a man and a woman together to bring children into the world, but due to the same-sex marriage, families are collapsing and crime is increasing (Gay “Marriage”: Societal Suicide 577). Both essays talk about the positive and negative sides of gay marriage and how it would or wouldn’t affect society.
In “Gay ‘Marriage’: Societal Suicide,” the author’s arguments were more effective and valid than the ones in “What's wrong with Gay Marriage?” because he states that marriage is supposed to be between a man and woman to bring children into the world. The incident in Norway, for example, when they imposed same-sex marriage, it brought in low birth rates. Society needs children because they are the founders of the future. Same-sex marriages not only affect birth rates but also affect crime rates. Children who grew up in families of only one parent most likely became delinquents and in prison. Having only one parent influences how the child is raised and how they behave in society. In “Gay ‘Marriage’: Societal Suicide” the author brings up how children who grew up in broken homes tend to have more ...
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... with Gay Marriage?” by Katha Pollitt. He added his own experience of working as a prison minster for thirty year and what he observed with the families of the prisoners. He “witnessed the disastrous consequences of family breakdown-in the lives of thousands of delinquents” (Gay “Marriage”: Societal Suicide 577). The issue of gay marriage should be addressed the same way it has been in the future. States that want to legalize it should do it, while the states that don’t want to legalize it, shouldn’t. Since society and politics are split on this issue, gay marriages should not be legalized in all states. That way, it’s fair for everyone, those who wish to marry, can go to those states who grant it, and the other states who dislike the idea of gay marriage, shouldn’t legalized it. If gay couples wish to marry each other, they can go to a state where it is allowed.
Gay marriage further damages the connection between marriage and parenthood by causing people to not consider marriagement just to be a parent. He later on argues that marriage has been a tradition since the beginning of time and everything supports it. “The family, led by a married mother and father, is the best available structure for both child rearing and cultural health. This is why, although some people will always pair off in unorthodox ways, society as a whole must never legitimize any form of marriage other than that of one man and one woman, united with the intention of permanency and the nurturing of children” (Colson
The constitutional right of gay marriage is a hot topic for debate in the United States. Currently, 37 states have legal gay marriage, while 13 states have banned gay marriage. The two essays, "What’s Wrong with Gay Marriage?" by Katha Pollitt and "Gay "Marriage": Societal Suicide" by Charles Colson provide a compare and contrast view of why gay marriage should be legal or not. Pollitt argues that gay marriage is a constitutional human right and that it should be legal, while Colson believes that gay marriage is sacrilegious act that should not be legal in the United States and that “it provides a backdrop for broken families and increases crime rates” (Colson, pg535). Both authors provide examples to support their thesis. Katha Pollitt provides more relevant data to support that gay marriage is a constitutional right and should be enacted as law in our entire country, she has a true libertarian mindset.
The two texts examined within, present the opposing extremes of views regarding gay and lesbian marriage. The first text entitled Let Gays Marry by Andrew Sullivan examines the intricacies of same sex relationships and why homosexual couples should be allowed to publicly show affection for one another. The second text that will be examined is titled Leave Marriage Alone written by William Bennett. Bennett gives his views on why couples of same sex nature should not be allowed to engage in marital relations. These two authors, although very different, each has a view of the ideals of marriage, and how it should be presented to the public.
Recently, people have been arguing with respect to the definition of marriage. To get married is a very important event for almost everyone. Particularly for women, marriage and giving a birth could be the two major events of their lives. Andrew Sullivan and William Bennett are authors who are arguing about homosexual marriage. Sullivan believes in same-sex marriage because he thinks everyone has a right to marry. On the other hand, Bennett speaks out against Sullivan’s opinion. Bennett makes a claim that marriage is between a man and a woman structuring their entire life together. Both authors’ opinions differ on same-sex marriage. Nevertheless, their ideas are well recognized.
Wolfson, Evan. Why Marriage Matters: America, Equality, and Gay People's Right to Marry. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2004. Print.
One of the most controversial issues around today is gay marriages. Many believe that the media is primly responsible for the idea of same-sex marriages, but when it all comes down to it there are really only two sides; those who support gay marriages, and those who oppose them. Two authors write their opinions on their opposite views on this issue. Sullivan (2002) supports same-sex marriages and believes marriage to be a universal right, not just restricted to heterosexuals. Contrary to Sullivan, Bennett (2002) believes that marriage is a sacred traditional family value that should be set aside for heterosexual couples. (2002)Throughout this essay, I will summarize both authors’ ideas and evaluate them through their evidence and styles.
During the fight against slavery and segregation, America realized that public opinion can be wrong. The movement for women’s rights brought about the knowledge that the government has had more control over civil rights than previously believed. Both historical movements arose from a common belief: despite public opinion, the government should protect the freedoms outlined in the constitution. Current societal issues related to marriage reflect this principle; however, authors Cherlin and Bennett would disagree on the connection being made. Cherlin acknowledges that momentum in the fight for homosexual equality has been attained by the degradation of the marital structure. As family structure among heterosexual couples is more often dysfunctional and more commonly broken down, a question arises of whether or not homosexual marriages radically affect society any more than this. Cherlin makes the implication that, if no compelling state interest can be found against gay marriage legalization, keeping it illegal would be a civil inequity. Bennett would contend that with this momentum, society may be blindly crossing a line. Divorce rates and out of wedlock births have skyrocketed due to legal changes in the availability of marriage and divorce documents. He points out that these negative effects will only increase with further law changes. “Indeed,
...eferred to as “conscience clauses.” Robin Fretwell Wilson, Matters of Conscience: Lessons for Same-Sex Marriage from the Healthcare Context, in SAMESEX MARRIAGE AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY: EMERGING CONFLICTS (Anthony R. Picarello Jr., Douglas Laycock, and Robin Fretwell Wilson, eds., 2008).
Every little girl dreams of the day they will get married and live happily ever after. What if the little girl grows up and wants to marry a woman instead of man? Traditional marriage consist of a union between man and woman, but the LGBT community wants marriage legalized for same-sex couples now more than ever. The pressing question is whether or not same-sex marriage is ethical. It is a controversial topic that often fuels heated debates that range from the well-being of kids, religion, AIDS, and long lived family values (Thrioux & Krasemann, 282). Homosexual marriage is an evolutionary process and the views of society are evolving constantly (Von Drehle). Homosexual marriage is ethically correct because of the support from numerous ethical theories like utilitarianism, prima facie duties, and virtue ethics.
(no author given). (2000). Fighting to Win and Keep the Freedom to Marry: The legal, Political, and Cultural Challenges Ahead. National Journal of Sexual Orientation Law Online. 234 paragraphs. Available: http://metalab.unc.edu/gaylaw/issue2/wolfson.html. [2000, May 22]
Over the last years the topic of same-sex marriage has been of great importance to our society. The idea of the same gender being lawfully married is disturbing to a group of people but in the recent years the number of supporters has increased. The cases that argue for the legalization of same-sex marriage are focusing on the relationship of the individuals and do not see anything in same-sex marriage that could harm our society as a whole. The article “How the President go to ‘I Do’ on Same-Sex Marriage,” published by Joe Becker in April 2014, explains how Barack Obama started saying that he was undecided about the subject matter but is now leaning toward the legalization of same-sex marriage. The subject matter takes a lot of analyzing of what pros and cons are to come from the legalization of same-sex marriage. Same-sex marriage is a global argument that deals with unifying two individuals of the same gender under the law. The main reason that supporters give for justifying same-sex marriage is that it is for the same reason as straight people, to show love and commitment to each other. Furthermore, the argument of same-sex marriage is difficult to generalize because of the multiple factors that need to be taken in consideration when making any decision regarding this topic. Although Becker does have true premises, he lacks clarity in his terms which make his argument be false and invalid.
Same sex marriage is a very controversial topic in today’s society. We live in a society filled with ignorance. The ignorance that poisons the minds of people that oppose same sex marriage blinds them from the reality of the “problem”. People argue that same sex marriage should be illegal for reasons that will have no negative impact on their lives. The reality of this topic is that legalizing same sex marriage promotes the increase of adoption, human rights and equality, as well as the separation of the church and state.
... marriage is a controversial topic among today’s society. While the LGBT community fights for marriage equality, they feel inferior to those capable of being married. Same-sex marriage is not intended to harm heterosexual marriage or affect the function of society. Studies prove same-sex marriage would help the economy, as well as, government permitting, raise adoption rates. According to the First and Fourteenth Amendments; same-sex marriage is protected by the Constitution. Backing the Constitution are multiple marriage equality court cases. Same-sex marriage would end stigmatization of homosexuals and discrimination against them. There are over one thousand rights same-sex couples are denied of. Marriage equality and these civil rights would consider all men to be treated equal again. The future of marriage equality relies on the legalization of same-sex marriage.
Marriage naturally creates families; it provides the conditions for a healthy environment that is beneficial to the upbringing of children. Opponents of same-sex marriage often ground their arguments on parental and religious concerns. Many argue that sa...
The traditional definition of a marriage has always hinged on the view of a married couple as being composed of a man and a woman (Gerstmann 33). However, during the last three decades there has been a rise in the number of same sex marriages. This has led to heated debates that has made same sex marriages one of the most controversial topics facing the modern society. Despite the US supreme court ruling that the rights to same sex marriage is guaranteed by the constitution, a significant percentage of Americans still oppose its legalization. While some feel that it is morally and legally right, others are of a contrary opinion. Both sides of the divide, those against same sex marriage and those for same sex marriage, present cogent arguments on why their perspectives are valid. This paper argues that the arguments for same sex marriage are more persuasive that those against same sex marriages, and so same sex marriage should be legalized.